A farmer who was trampled to death by a bull may have unwittingly angered the animal by wearing a red hat, an inquest has heard.

Ian Rook was wearing a red bobble hat when he went to calm the bull (Pic: M and Y)

Ian Rook went to calm his prize bull, as it had become anxious after being moved from a field.

But as he went to stroke it, the bull raised its head and tossed the 58-year-old into the air before repeatedly butting him and trampling him.

The experienced cattle farmer, who usually wore a flat cap, was wearing a red bobble hat.

It is thought the Aberdeen Angus â whose horns were removed â flipped after not recognising him. Workers who saw the attack lured the bull away and gave CPR to Mr Rook, who suffered chest injuries. He later died in hospital.

His wife, Amanda, told the Portsmouth hearing it was a daily routine for her husband to see the bull, who would recognise him and his car.

Mr Rook was without his car when he was attacked at Manor Farm in Clanfield, Hampshire, in November 2010.